The Chamber is a ‘great resource’ and ‘incredibly useful’

Thomas Holden, General Manager of Wandsworth Common Care Home, which is part of Avery Healthcare, talks to Sarah Dale about the benefits of being a Chamber Patron.

Providing exceptional care is at the heart of Avery Healthcare, which aims to become the leading provider of luxury elderly care homes in the UK.

The award-winning residential and dementia care home provider’s ambitious plans include a wealth of new care homes due to open across the country, with others in the pipeline.

Avery Healthcare’s care homes include Wandsworth Common Care Home, who provide residential, nursing and dementia care, joined Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce as a Patron member in July.

“We joined after being invited to the annual awards,” says Thomas Holden, General Manager.

“We met some wonderful people that evening and built some new networks and connections. I could see instantly what a great resource it was for us as a business and knew that patronship was the way to go.”

Since the summer, they have formed a “great alliance” with Age UK Wandsworth and have rolled out two new initiatives with them.

“We are hosting their monthly LGBTQ+ coffee mornings which are held on the last Tuesday of each month - please contact the home on 020 3751 1764 if you are interested in attending,” says Thomas.

“We had TV personality Paul Roseby OBE as the guest speaker in August and we've lined up the next three speakers already, which is exciting.

“We have also started offering free pampering sessions to Age UK Wandsworth's service users including access to our inhouse stylist which has been a great success for us both. This is all within two months of joining the Chamber, so I look forward to continuing to build and develop these relationships.”

❛❛We have 105 permanent staff members so there is always a constant need to recruit as people move on to pastures new. The benefits of being members of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce is that we have increased our networking opportunities and local community engagement.

Having formed strong connections and launched new initiatives in a short space of time of being Patron members, Thomas encourages new members to maximise their membership.

“Get out to the events, meet lots of new people and develop your network,” he says.

“There is such a wide variety of members that there will always be someone you can work with to develop both of your businesses.

“Most of the events are free or heavily subsidised to members and they are not only incredibly useful for networking but great fun too! It's a lovely group of people who are all there for the same reason, they are passionate about what they do and want to learn and grow together.”

Recruiting and affordability are the business’s main challenges.

“But I'm sure this is the same for all businesses no matter what their size,” he adds.

“We have 105 permanent staff members so there is always a constant need to recruit as people move on to pastures new. The benefits of being members of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce is that we have increased our networking opportunities and local community engagement.

“We can be a part of the local community, support those who need it and get support from those that can help.”

Avery Healthcare continues to grow and is delivering on an ambitious new build programme of its award-winning care homes.

Waterhouse Manor Care Home in Peterborough, which has 80 beds, was completed in the summer of 2024. In the autumn, West Wood Care Home in Sheringham, which will have 70 beds, and Greenholme House Care Home in Burley, Wharfedale, which will have 70 beds, are due to be completed. In winter 2024, Carrstone House Care Home in Downham Market, with 72 beds, is due to be completed. And in spring 2025, Alice Court Care Home in Eastbourne, with 70 beds, and Springwood Corner Care Home in Gravesend, with 62 beds, are due to be finished. Other sites are currently subject to final planning approvals.

Discover a place where exceptional residential, dementia, and respite care meet warmth and community at Wandsworth Common Care Home. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalised care in a nurturing environment, ensuring every resident feels at home. Whether you’re seeking long-term care, specialised support for dementia or a temporary respite, you’ll find a welcoming and compassionate community ready to support you and your loved ones at every step.